It's been a season to forget for Weiss after posting two goals and four points in 26 games.

"It's been a tough stretch the last while for me," Weiss said. "To be out with the team the last few days has been nice, kind of perks you up a bit. It's tough skating on your own for a while."

He will begin to skate with the Whalers on Tuesday and is expected to get in "a game or two" with the AHL's Grand Rapids Griffins the following week.

SOCHI TO 'ENERGIZE' CARLSON?

Washington Capitals head coach Adam Oates is banking on the Winter Olympics will "energize" John Carlson.

The dependable defenceman is averaging 24:47 per game and has seen his ice time jump some more with fellow blueliner Mike Green sidelined with a concussion.

"I'm used to it, it's because of Mike being out so it's not the way it's going to be the whole year," Carlson told the Washington Post. "That's what people need to do is fill in when guys get hurt, so that means extra minutes for me."

Carlson, who will suit up for Team U.S.A., has also played every game since the start of the 2009-10 season.

"I don't worry about it based on (workload) because I think the Olympics will energize him," Oates said. "I think he'll zero his focus in again.... You're going to play with the best players in the world at the highest level. So for one week I think it will, if nothing else, re-energize him."

NO HARD FEELINGS

Carl Soderberg has no hard feelings over being passed to represent Sweden at the Winte Olympics in Sochi.

The 28-year-old Boston Bruins forward realized his dream to play in the NHL last spring, which meant skipping out on the world championships in 2013.

Sweden's hockey brass did not take too kindly to the snub, and unsurprisingly left him off the Olympic roster.

"I am going to watch it, for sure, especially the playoffs, Soderberg told Comcast Sportsnet New England. "Maybe the first round isn't that ... I don't know ... I think the best teams will make the playoffs, then it's fun to watch.

"Two years ago, I wasn't even close to getting on the Olympic team. Then I've played great hockey now in two seasons so I'm close. But I'll take my break, and cheer for the team."